Melbourne Beach in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Villa Marine
Photographed By Jamie Cox, February 11, 2012
1. The Villa Marine Marker
The Villa Marine Hotel was erected in 1912 by W.L. Sweet. Its construction provided a sorely needed boost for Melbourne Beach as a vacation resort, for other well known resorts north and south were by this time outstripping this community in growth, prosperity, and renown.The concrete block for this building were manufactured on the site. A deep pit was dug to provide sand for blocks and for mortar. Lumber and other materials were brought by boat across from Melbourne.
The Villa Marine operated on the American plan. Although this hotel provided the best accommodation in Melbourne Beach, the meagerness of its servings at mealtime were legendary.
For a number of years it successfully catered to tourists until with changing times in the 1950's and 60's it became, in succession, a rooming house for space boom workers, a co-op retirement home, and a fraternity house for a local college. In 1987 this structure was extensively remodeled to become a dental office.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations
this page online
Location. 28° 4.111′ N, 80° 33.932′ W. Marker is in Melbourne Beach, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker can be reached from Ocean Avenue near Riverside Drive. Marker can be seen from the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 524 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach FL 32951, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Melbourne & Atlantic Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Melbourne Beach Pier (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ryckman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Community Chapel of Melbourne Beach Florida (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Myrtle Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Melbourne Beach Town Hall (approx. 1˝ miles away); Indialantic Casino (approx. 1.6 miles away); Billy Wallace House (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne Beach.
Photographed By Jamie Cox, February 11, 2012
2. The Villa Marine Historic Building and Dentist Office
Photographed By Jamie Cox, September 23, 2020
3. The Villa Marine seen from the east
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2012, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. This page has been viewed 990 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. 3. submitted on September 23, 2020, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
